85th Texas Legislative Session

85th Texas Legislative Session RecapThe 85th Texas Legislative Session was an important one for our state’s child welfare system. TNOYS drafted this report to explain the policy changes that were made this session and how they will impact the work of Texas’ youth and the professionals who serve them.

Through a contract with the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA), TNOYS developed and conducted the survey Youth Count Texas!, the first ever statewide count of youth experiencing homelessness in Texas. This fact sheet outlines how Texas can continue to take a leadership role this legislative session in the effort to end youth homelessness.

The Prevention and Early Intervention (PEI) division at the Department of Family Protective Services (DFPS) provides services and interventions that are proven to prevent children and youth from ending up in the more expensive foster care and juvenile justice systems. This fact sheets provides recommendations for bolstering PEI efforts this legislative session, including strengthening the successful Services to At-Risk Youth (STAR) program.

The most cost effective way to serve young people and their families is to prevent problems before they start and escalate to a crisis. The PEI division at the DFPS contracts with organizations across the state to provide services and interventions that are proven to prevent youth from ending up in the more expensive foster care and juvenile justice systems.

Fact Sheet on Services to At-Risk Youth (STAR)STAR is a prevention and early intervention program designed to support young people and their families who are in crisis before situations escalate to the point that more expensive and intrusive services are needed. STAR services are available 24 hours a day in all 254 counties in Texas, to youth under the age of 18 and their families. Services include family conflict resolution, short-term counseling, parenting classes, and emergency shelter for youth who need respite care.

Fact Sheet on Foster Care RedesignThe Foster Care Redesign model designed and implemented in Region 3B by ACH Child & Family Services is called “Our Community, Our Kids (OCOK).” The model promises better outcomes for children and youth in foster care, but if it is not adequately funded, it will fail.

83rd Texas Legislative Session

2013 TNOYS Legislative AgendaThe 2013 TNOYS Legislative Agenda outlines the principles that guided our advocacy work during the 83rd Texas Legislative Session. These principles include preventing problems before they start, addressing adolescent behaviors appropriately, promoting safe and nurturing living arrangements for youth who cannot remain at home with their parents, supporting youth during their transition to adulthood, and working in partnership with youth.